Adolescence

Adolescence is a four-part 2024 crime drama on Netflix created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and directed by Phillip Barantini. It stars Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, and other exceptional actors.

Adolescence depicts the stabbing death of a teenage girl by a teenage boy, with each episode detailing a specific part of the incident as it moves through the criminal justice system. Each episode is also filmed in a single take (one episode took nearly twenty attempts to complete in a single shot, while another required only two).

Adolescence is a premier crime procedural of depth and complexity, with many depictions so subtle they may go unnoticed during initial viewing, only to be discovered later when learning more about the creative development of the series.

The show opens with Detective Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters) and his partner waiting in a vehicle as tactical police officers swarm a residence to make an arrest. This episode is filmed in such a way that neither the viewer nor those inside the home fully understand what is happening, allowing the narrative to unfold in real time.

We soon learn that thirteen-year-old Jamie—angelic in appearance and portrayed by a stellar Owen Cooper—is the main suspect in the horrific stabbing death of a young girl and is to be detained.

Over its four episodes, the series examines the incident and questions what it means for good parents to raise a child who appears pure and innocent on the outside but may harbor darkness within.

The acting in Adolescence is superb and grounded in realism. Graham delivers a poignant portrayal of a father clinging to optimistic beliefs he subconsciously knows may not be true. Owen Cooper has rightfully received high praise for his performance as Jamie, especially shining in the third episode, as does Erin Doherty in her role as the interviewing psychologist. At one point, Cooper’s portrayal becomes so chillingly intense that it’s genuinely shocking to learn this is his first acting role.

Ashley Walters, often cast in tougher roles, plays DS Bascombe as a sensitive father with a teenage son of his own. Bascombe is wise enough to recognize that he is always capable of learning—and soon gains new insight from his son, who reveals how oblivious adults often are to the communication methods and hidden meanings embraced by the younger generation. This revelation adds yet another layer to the series.

Of the many programs I’ve seen in recent years, Adolescence ranks as one of the most powerful four hours of television. It is heartfelt, disturbing, and—at times—uplifting in deeply painful ways. The series has received widespread critical acclaim, and deservedly so. There isn’t a single off note, and for those interested in exploring the show’s more subtle themes, numerous interviews and critiques are available across social media platforms.

Unfortunately, some have claimed the series unfairly portrays white teen boys in the UK as violent criminals, when in truth the series is not explicitly about race at all. Such critics have likely not even watched the show. Adolescence is not making a statement about race—though it includes characters of color—but instead asks: When our children go wrong, what could have prevented it, if anything?

Adolescence is currently streaming on Netflix and is highly recommended.